French Bread
INGREDIENTS
- ☐ 2 cups warm water
- ☐ 1 tablespoon sugar
- ☐ 1 tablespoon yeast
- ☐ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ☐ 2 teaspoons salt
- ☐ 5 - 5½ cups bread flour
PREPARATION
- Dissolve yeast in warm water (110°) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).
- Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.
- Punch down and divide in half.
- Shape dough into two long slender loaves.
- Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet.
- Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors).
- Cover and let rise until doubled.
- Bake at 375° for about 30 minutes.
Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.